N’Assembly Sends State Police Bill to 36 State Assemblies for Final Approval

The National Assembly is set to move the proposed State Police Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly this week, as Nigeria inches closer to one of its biggest security reforms in recent years.

The transmission marks a major step in the constitutional amendment process aimed at creating state police across the federation.

If approved by at least 24 state assemblies, the bill will proceed to President Bola Tinubu for final assent.

The move comes shortly after the Senate passed the constitutional amendment bill following deliberations on recommendations presented by lawmakers handling the ongoing constitution review.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed that preparations for the transmission had been concluded. He disclosed that both governors and state lawmakers were already expecting the bill.

According to him, consultations had taken place before the Senate passed the amendment, and stakeholders across the states were fully aware of the next stage.

“The bill for the creation of state police will get to the states this week. The states’ speakers have met and are awaiting the bill from the National Assembly.

“The state governors are expecting it too, even with their presence in the Senate chamber when the bill was being considered and passed.”

The bill now faces a critical stage, as Nigeria’s constitution requires constitutional amendments to secure approval from at least two-thirds of state legislatures before becoming law.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a dual policing system in Nigeria. Under the arrangement, state governments will be empowered to create and manage their own police formations, while the Nigeria Police Force will retain responsibility for national security matters.

Such federal responsibilities will include terrorism, border protection, cybercrime, arms trafficking, and other offences considered to be under federal jurisdiction.

Supporters of the bill argue that state police will improve local security management by allowing faster responses to threats and stronger intelligence gathering at community level.

The proposal has gained momentum amid rising concerns over insecurity in many parts of the country, including banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes, and violent attacks.

Lawmakers also included safeguards in the bill to address fears that state governments could misuse state police for political purposes.

Among the key provisions are protections against the use of state police to harass critics, political opponents, or groups expressing dissent. The bill also gives the Federal Government powers to intervene in situations involving national security threats, breakdown of public order, or violations of fundamental rights.

The proposal has received strong backing from governors and state legislative leaders across the country.

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures had earlier endorsed the move, describing state police as necessary for addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges.

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, had also assured Nigerians that state assemblies would give the bill proper consideration once transmitted.

Several governors have equally thrown their weight behind the proposal.

Among them is Hyacinth Alia, who described the Senate’s passage of the bill as a major breakthrough in strengthening the country’s security structure.

According to him, state-controlled policing would improve understanding of local environments and community dynamics, making it easier to combat crime effectively.

The Forum of Progressive Speakers under the ruling All Progressives Congress has also pledged support for swift ratification, especially in APC-controlled state assemblies.

The group, however, stressed the need for proper oversight to ensure professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.